Bleeding Heart

Planting & Care for Bleeding Heart Plants

Preparation

• Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts) grows best in filtered sunlight.
• Strong, hot, drying winds make it shrivel up. A sheltered position protects against late frosts.
• Needs well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Dig in copious quantities of decayed manure or compost several weeks before planting.

Opening Plant Material

• Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until it stops bubbling, remove. You’re now ready to plant.

Planting

• You can plant in spring or fall.
• Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
• For Containers - Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot. Many times perennials have many roots in the pots – Lay the plant on its side and cut out the bottom 2" of roots and soil for quicker establishment in the ground.
• With shovel or knife trim the bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use our Recommended Fertilizer
• Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle the soil around the root ball.

Pruning - After Planting

• Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• After flowering - Cut out spent flower stems.
• As the foliage yellows and dies off, cut it off just above the ground.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as oft en as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on this plant.